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Old 06-21-2018, 08:51 AM   #1
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Location: Weeki Wachee, FL
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Year: 1997
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Chassis: TC2000 FE
Engine: Cummins 5.9
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Considering changing my mind on a generator...

I've been fully solar until recently. We're firmly planted in Florida and its been typical Florida awful for a while, we bought a portable AC unit and plugged it in to a power outlet.

So now I've been thinking about throwing even more money and getting a generator. I saw a good condition 6000W unit with under 400 hours, and it's got my brain ticking.

Has anyone actually tapped their primary fuel tank to allow a generator to pull from it? That would be my plan if I did it. Also, modifying the electric start for remote operation, running an extended exhaust pipe, and discretely mounting under the chassis where it's out of sight.

Fuel consumption claim is about 0.6 gallons per hour at 75% load, it uses a 9.8hp, 400-ish cc Lombardini diesel engine, which seems to be a reputable brand and is currently owned by Kohler.

It has the following outputs:
(2) 120V 15A duplex NEMA 5-15R
(1) 120V 30A twistlock NEMA L5-30R
(1) 120/240V 20A twistlock NEMA L1430R


The price is good and I'm right about the point in my build where adding it later would be a major pain in the ass... But while I've done thought experiments on adding a fuel pull I haven't actually look at how it would be done.

What do you guys think?

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Old 06-21-2018, 09:49 AM   #2
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Howdy brokedown,

Pulling fuel from your primary tank is typical of all RV's. The only trick is to put the pickup down to only about the 1/4 tank remaining point (so you don't suck every bit of fuel and leave yourself high and dry).

When A/C is required all the time, a generator is a pretty nice way to go.
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Old 06-21-2018, 10:56 AM   #3
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Imho that would be money well spent and sounds like the time is right in your conversion to do it.
If you do buy, make sure you get a manual for it for all the specs etc. I have to wonder why it is for sale though if only 400 hours on it, noise perhaps? What rpm does it run at when producing power is another thought to keep in mind.

Wouldn't bother me in the least. Life is to live, sleeping is for the dead if you read me.

Should be simple to plumb in and add remote start so although I am not familiar with the make of diesel, I'd be checking it out for sure. Carry some extra filters and you should be good to go for a long time. It will be pretty heavy so build some good supports and anti-vibration into your installation.
You and Hillary will then be able to enjoy the heat or cool anyplace you venture.


Good luck guys,


John
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Old 06-21-2018, 11:18 AM   #4
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" Has anyone actually tapped their primary fuel tank to allow a generator to pull from it?"

I do not know about your fuel tank, but on the 60 gallon diesel tank on my 1991 TC 2000 there are extra threaded holes with plugs in them. Maybe you are lucky too. Planning to use one of them for fuel for my hydronic heating when I get that far.
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Old 06-21-2018, 11:28 AM   #5
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Also have been considering using 4 of these elastomeric mounts to hang the generator under the bus.

https://www.amazon.com/BXI-Elastomer.../dp/B075PRXN3G
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Old 06-21-2018, 11:52 AM   #6
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Do not know if this is your model but it is the engine you described.

3600 rpm and 85 DB at 7 meters.

Ouch

GPNDL-60E GenPro Portable Generator 6000W, 120/240Vac Lombardini Diesel Engine with electric start
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Old 06-21-2018, 12:03 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brokedown View Post
I've been fully solar until recently. We're firmly planted in Florida and its been typical Florida awful for a while, we bought a portable AC unit and plugged it in to a power outlet.

So now I've been thinking about throwing even more money and getting a generator. I saw a good condition 6000W unit with under 400 hours, and it's got my brain ticking.

Has anyone actually tapped their primary fuel tank to allow a generator to pull from it? That would be my plan if I did it. Also, modifying the electric start for remote operation, running an extended exhaust pipe, and discretely mounting under the chassis where it's out of sight.

Fuel consumption claim is about 0.6 gallons per hour at 75% load, it uses a 9.8hp, 400-ish cc Lombardini diesel engine, which seems to be a reputable brand and is currently owned by Kohler.

It has the following outputs:
(2) 120V 15A duplex NEMA 5-15R
(1) 120V 30A twistlock NEMA L5-30R
(1) 120/240V 20A twistlock NEMA L1430R


The price is good and I'm right about the point in my build where adding it later would be a major pain in the ass... But while I've done thought experiments on adding a fuel pull I haven't actually look at how it would be done.

What do you guys think?
Go for it man!

What kind of generator is it?
I've been eyeing some small Yanmar aircooled models.
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Old 06-21-2018, 02:45 PM   #8
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I was looking at the info posted by Rivet and see it is aircooled. I was hoping it would be liquid cooled. So how much is one of those used? new?
Liquid cooled is much quieter I think. I have a diesel Yanmar tractor that is hardly noticeable but never runs at 3600rpm, more like 1800 at most.
If the price is right and you don't feel happy with it, you can flog it pretty easily.
Have you got room just to put it in a slideout enclosure rather than permanently mounted underneath? That way you could set it away from the bus when possible, like a boondocking situation and reduce the noise dbs.


John
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Old 06-21-2018, 05:26 PM   #9
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That was the same model, that noise level does seem like something I wouldn't enjoy.

I think I'll keep the idea in my head but look for something a bit newer. Evidently the one I saw is up there in years too.
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Old 06-21-2018, 05:43 PM   #10
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"that noise level does seem like something I wouldn't enjoy."

Or your neighbors
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Old 06-21-2018, 05:57 PM   #11
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I pity the fool that parks next to me!
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Old 06-21-2018, 06:48 PM   #12
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many school systems tap the main tank for their webasto auxiliary heaters..those extra threaded holes if they are 1 inch are exactly what the webasto heaters use.. a webasto or similar installation kit might be a nice item to look for on ebay .. as mentioned you run the pickup at a higher level than your engine pickup, so if you leave the genny on. it wont run the bus out of fuel.. im assuming a diesel generator has to have an injection pump so sucking fuel out of a tank would be no issue vs gravity fed like a gas small engine typically is..
-Christopher
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Old 06-21-2018, 07:11 PM   #13
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"I pity the fool that parks next to me!"
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Old 06-21-2018, 07:16 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rivetboy View Post
"I pity the fool that parks next to me!"
Why post a pic of Hannibal, when it was Mr. T that coined the phrase
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Old 06-21-2018, 09:44 PM   #15
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"Why post a pic of Hannibal, when it was Mr. T that coined the phrase"

Because I got it and it sailed right over your head..
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Old 06-21-2018, 09:51 PM   #16
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Or anybody this side of the county line.
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Old 06-29-2018, 06:51 PM   #17
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I'm familiar with most diesels, but that ones a new one. In considering a gas 8500 and converting over to LP for tank elimination. My bus has under body storage so I plan to make a slide out tray type mount using the engine and works only and hole shot metal in the access door for heat dissipation and air for the engine. Onan or general exhaust should make the house level bearable. The reason for the slide out mount is for maintenance on the engine. Also next to the remote it would be a good idea to install an hourmeter to track maintenance. Spend a little extra and use a good amperage motorcycle battery for cranking. Lawn and garden batteries only last about a year whereas the cycle battery at least 3 to 5 for about 25% more.
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